How to read EPUB books on your phone or e-reader

1. EPUB and ZIP are different files

The ZIP archive holds your collection. Extract it to reach the books inside. An EPUB file is a digital book that opens in a compatible reading app. Its text usually adjusts to the screen, so you can make the type larger without magnifying the whole page.

Download the archive from your order after payment is confirmed. Wait for the transfer to finish and leave enough storage space for both the ZIP and its extracted files. Start by opening one title rather than importing all 200 files straight away.

2. Open an EPUB on Android

1. Find the ZIP in your file manager, usually under Downloads. In Files by Google, tap the archive, choose Extract and then Done when extraction finishes.
2. Open the resulting folder. Select a file ending in .epub and choose a compatible reading app, such as ReadEra.
3. If no app opens, install an EPUB reader from your device’s app store. Return to the file or use the reader’s import option to add it to your library.

Menu names vary between phones. In your reading app, adjust the type size and use the table of contents to move between chapters. You do not need to keep the ZIP open while reading an extracted book.

3. Read on iPhone or iPad

1. Open Files and locate your archive in Downloads, On My iPhone or iCloud Drive, depending on where you saved it.
2. Tap the ZIP to create a folder containing its files. Open that folder, then tap an EPUB to read it in Books, if the app is installed and available on your device.
3. Check that the book opens and is stored on the device. A file kept only in cloud storage must be downloaded before you can use it without a connection.

You do not need to change the file extension. Renaming the collection’s ZIP archive to EPUB will not turn the collection into a book.

4. Transfer books to Kobo or Kindle

For Kobo: extract the collection on your computer first. Connect your e-reader by USB, accept the connection on its screen and copy compatible, DRM-free EPUB files to the “KOBOeReader” drive. Safely eject the device and let it import the books. You can then find them in “My Books” on that e-reader.

For Kindle: use your Amazon account’s Send to Kindle service to send a compatible EPUB. The service prepares it for Kindle reading; simply copying the raw EPUB by USB is a different process. Sending and receiving the book requires an internet connection. Download it to the e-reader before going offline. File limits and compatibility depend on the service and the particular book.

5. Keep your library available offline

At The Black Salon, the download link is available for seven days after payment confirmation. That period applies to the link, not to your use of files you have already saved. Keep the ZIP, EPUB files and supplied licences in a clearly named folder, with a second copy on your computer or a backup drive.

Before travelling, open a book, temporarily enable airplane mode and check that you can still turn its pages. Do not delete your only copy to free storage: uninstalling a reading app may also remove its files. Keep your order recovery code private.

6. What if a book will not open?

First check that the download finished, the ZIP was extracted and you are opening an EPUB in a suitable app. If you see a storage warning, free enough space before trying extraction again. Open a different title to help distinguish an app problem from an issue with one file.

If the problem continues, contact our support team with the book’s title, your device and your order reference. If you have been charged but cannot download, do not pay again. Read our delivery and support terms.